Chess, checkers and backgammon using billiard table and balls

ABSTRACT

Sets of white and colored billiard balls each displaying unique indicia of rank or type of ball are provided for playing chess, checkers and backgammon on a standard billiards table. Each of the games has a uniquely appropriate series of rules for playing such games in a billiards table environment keyed to the indicia marked on each of the billiard balls.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a Continuation-in-Part that claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/343,582, filed on Apr. 30, 2010.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention resides in the field of games relating to a combination of billiards and conventional board games, such as chess, checkers and backgammon. Specifically, the invention is a game that is played on a standard billiard table and utilizes a unique set of billiard balls displaying indicia markings depending on the type of game being played.

The underlying object of a traditional game of billiards is to place the game balls, which are often numbered and colored, into the pockets of the game table by way of an impact initiated by the cue ball. The “8-ball”, a black billiard ball displaying the number 8, is usually the last ball that is placed into the pocket. Numerous variations of the traditional game of billiards have been played over the years. These variations include using different markings on billiard balls to provide players with reference points, using specialized tables that support a game that combines the concepts of pool and checkers, using a different quantity or quality of billiard balls to play specific games, and using different apparatus which are adapted to overlie a conventional billiard table to play specific games. Examples of these variations are discussed below.

One example of a billiard game played with a different number of billiard balls on a conventional billiard table is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,134,965 [Deasy] entitled Process for Playing the Billiard Game of 5-Ball. This patent discloses a method for playing a billiard game, dubbed 5-Ball, that utilizes a billiard table, 5 object balls, a cue ball and no racking device.

U.S. Patent Application Publication US 2006/0270481 A1 [Schmall] entitled Nine-Ball Billiard Game discloses a new design for billiard balls to be used in the game of nine-ball. This new set of billiard balls uses a striped configuration for all the balls, except the cue ball. These ball ‘markings’ provide the player with convenient reference points when aiming the cue ball, thus improving the probability of the ball being hit more accurately. The inventor asserts that using these ball ‘markings’ improves the player's game by allowing the player to modify the player's shots accordingly.

Another example of a variation to a traditional game of billiards where the players use billiard balls with differing quantity and quality than used in a traditional game is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,042,803 [Fox and Mihalyo] entitled Billiards Utilizing Similar and Dissimilar Balls. This patent discloses a modification to billiard balls used in playing the game of billiards. Specifically, this invention provides for two sets of seven balls, each identical in mass distribution, such that the individual balls comprising each set of seven balls will be of dissimilar mass from one another. Moreover, a fifteenth ball is provided whose mass is equal to that of the median mass of the balls of the two sets. This difference in mass provides for several different possible outcomes when balls collide. The inventors suggest that this modification in the mass of the billiard balls increases the challenge of the game and the planning necessary to play it.

Several disclosures also describe the adaptation of the game of billiards to other games, such as checkers or golf. This is often carried out by either the use of a specialized billiard table or the use of an apparatus adapted to overlie a traditional billiard table. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,716,284 [Maldonado] entitled Billiard/Checkers Game discloses a new and improved pool table capable of supporting a game that combines the concepts of checkers and pool. The playing surface has a plurality of rows of divots (preferred embodiment has 178 total divots) and a plurality of semicircular cutouts along the periphery.

Another example is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,644,662 [Cao and Nguyen] entitled Billiard Type Game System. This patent discloses an apparatus and method for a playing a billiard type game on a specialized table. The game table has a tabletop comprising several consecutively numbered game pockets with corresponding numbered bumpers adjacent to each pocket. Two sets of numbered balls are utilized, where each set has the same color. The object of the game is for the player to be the first one to sink all of the balls in the player's set of balls into the correctly numbered pockets in the correct order.

Examples of disclosures describing a game apparatus intended to overlie a traditional billiard table include U.S. Pat. No. 6,780,117 [Osborne] and U.S. Pat. No. 4,004,804 [Gholson]. U.S. Pat. No. 6,780,117 [Osborne] entitled Game Apparatus for Use with a Billiard Table discloses a game apparatus designed for use in conjunction with a standard billiard table. This game apparatus comprises a sheet of flexible material inscribed with markings that approximate the markings of a soccer pitch or a field hockey field.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,004,804 [Gholson] entitled Game Apparatus discloses a game apparatus simulating a combination of golf and billiards. The game apparatus includes a game top adapted to overlie the playing surface of a conventional billiard table. One or more players each having a cue stick, cue ball, and a set of sequentially numbered and colored billiards balls, attempt to drive their playing balls into a single marker in the fewest possible strokes without driving any of the billiard balls into a plurality of out-of-bounds markers.

The present invention discloses a unique apparatus and method for playing chess, checkers and backgammon. A plurality of billiard balls displaying game specific indicia is provided that can be utilized in combination with a conventional billiard table to play these games. Important components of this invention are the design and use of specialized billiard balls along with instructions for playing specific games. None of the billiard games discussed in the aforementioned disclosures provide for playing chess, checkers and backgammon using specialized billiard balls on a conventional billiard table.

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide unique sets of billiard balls that can be used in conjunction with traditional billiard tables for play with a special instructional set of rules of play for chess, checkers and backgammon. It is a further object of this invention to provide a detailed method describing game objectives, table set-up, and game instructions.

Other objects will appear hereinafter.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises several unique sets of billiard balls and detailed methods to play the games of checkers, chess, and backgammon (CCB) on a conventional billiard table. Two methods are provided for playing the game of checkers depending on whether the players are using conventional billiard balls or the specialized billiard balls displaying the indicia for checkers (CKB). The objective of the checker billiards game using conventional balls is to be the first player to pocket all 7 of your object balls into their assigned numbered pockets and then pocket the 8-ball into any pocket to win the game. The game is set-up with 15 conventional billiard balls in a triangle on one side of the table and the cue ball on the other. Additionally, 6 discs, numbered from 1 to 6, are placed at their respective pockets on the billiard table. Meanwhile, the object of the checker billiards game using CKB balls is to be the first player to pocket all 7 of your object balls into their assigned numbered pockets and then pocket the King Ball into any pocket to win the game. This game is set-up with 15 CKB balls in a triangle on one side of the table and the cue ball on the other side. The rules and methods of play for both games are more fully described below.

Backgammon billiards can also be played with either conventional balls or with a specialized set of backgammon billiard balls (BGB). The object of the game using conventional balls is to be the first player to pocket all seven of your object balls and then the 8-ball into their assigned pockets to win the game. The set-up begins with clearing the billiard table of all balls and placing the solid #1 ball on the foot spot and placing the cue ball on the center spot at the head string. Additionally, six discs, numbered 1 to 6, are placed at their respective pockets. Two standard size dice are used to play the game. The dice must be of a different color, preferably a lighter-colored die and a darker-colored die. Once the dice are rolled by a player, the number displayed on the lighter-colored die will determine the number of shots (strokes) with the cue stick a player has to pocket the object ball. The darker-colored die will determine the assigned pocket number for which the player must pocket his object ball. If the player does not pocket the object ball, the object ball remains on the pool table at its final rest position. To play this game with the BGB balls, simply replace the eight ball with the King Ball and use the white or red BGB balls as the object balls. The rules and methods of play for both games are more fully described below.

Chess billiards is played with a specialized set of chess billiard balls (CBB). The object of the game is for a player to be the first player to pocket the King Ball. This can be achieved in one of three ways. A player can pocket the King Ball off the break; a player can pocket his object balls from the lowest rank through the highest rank (Pawn ball, Rook ball, Knight ball, Bishop ball, Queen ball, to King ball); or a player can pocket the King ball by using the “Combination Piece to Rank” method. The set-up requires the players to place fifteen chess billiard balls on the Pool Table in a triangle at the ‘foot’ spot of the table, and to place two cue balls at the ‘head string’. The rules and methods of play for the game are more fully described below. Also, other variations of the aforementioned games will be described more fully hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings forms which are presently preferred; it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a billiards table configured for playing the billiards chess of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a face and side view of a billiard ball from the colored set with the indicia of a chess piece, i.e., a pawn, on its face and the corresponding ranking indicia on its side.

FIG. 3 is a face and side view of a billiard ball from the colored set with the indicia of a chess piece, i.e., a castle or rook, on its face and the corresponding ranking indicia on its side.

FIG. 4 is a face and side view of a billiard ball from the colored set with the indicia of a chess piece, i.e., a knight, on its face and the corresponding ranking indicia on its side.

FIG. 5 is a face and side view of a billiard ball from the colored set with the indicia of a chess piece, i.e., a bishop, on its face and the corresponding ranking indicia on its side.

FIG. 6 is a face and side view of a billiard ball from the colored set with the indicia of a chess piece, i.e., a queen, on its face and the corresponding ranking indicia on its side.

FIG. 7 is a face and side view of the cue ball with markings on its face and side.

FIG. 8 is a face and side view of a billiard ball from the white set with the indicia of a chess piece, i.e., a pawn, on its face and the corresponding ranking indicia on its side.

FIG. 9 is a face and side view of a billiard ball from the white set with the indicia of a chess piece, i.e., a castle or rook, on its face and the corresponding ranking indicia on its side.

FIG. 10 is a face and side view of a billiard ball from the white set with the indicia of a chess piece, i.e., a knight, on its face and the corresponding ranking indicia on its side.

FIG. 11 is a face and side view of a billiard ball from the white set with the indicia of a chess piece, i.e., a bishop, on its face and the corresponding ranking indicia on its side.

FIG. 12 is a face and side view of a billiard ball from the white set with the indicia of a chess piece, i.e., a queen, on its face and the corresponding ranking indicia on its side.

FIG. 13 is a plurality of face and side views of a billiard ball displaying both colored and white indicia of a chess piece, i.e., a king, on its faces and the corresponding ranking indicia in opposing color schemes on its sides.

FIG. 14 is a plan view of a billiards table configured for playing the billiards checkers of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a face view of a billiard ball from the white set with numeric indicia I for the checkers billiards game.

FIG. 16 is a face view of a billiard ball from the white set with numeric indicia II for the checkers billiards game.

FIG. 17 is a face view of a billiard ball from the white set with numeric indicia III for the checkers billiards game.

FIG. 18 is a face view of a billiard ball from the white set with numeric indicia IV for the checkers billiards game.

FIG. 19 is a face view of a billiard ball from the white set with numeric indicia V for the checkers billiards game.

FIG. 20 is a face view of a billiard ball from the white set with numeric indicia VI for the checkers billiards game.

FIG. 21 is a face view of a billiard ball from the colored set with numeric indicia I for the checkers billiards game.

FIG. 22 is a face view of a billiard ball from the colored set with numeric indicia II for the checkers billiards game.

FIG. 23 is a face view of a billiard ball from the colored set with numeric indicia III for the checkers billiards game.

FIG. 24 is a face view of a billiard ball from the colored set with numeric indicia IV for the checkers billiards game.

FIG. 25 is a face view of a billiard ball from the colored set with numeric indicia V for the checkers billiards game.

FIG. 26 is a face view of a billiard ball from the colored set with numeric indicia VI for the checkers billiards game.

FIG. 27 is a face view of a billiard ball from the white set with numeric indicia VII for the checkers billiards game.

FIG. 28 is a face view of a billiard ball from the colored set with numeric indicia VII for the checkers billiards game.

FIG. 29 is a face view of the cue ball with markings on its face for the checkers billiards game.

FIG. 30 is a first and second side view of a billiard ball from the white set with side marking bands shown at 90° rotation between each view for the checkers billiards game.

FIG. 31 is a first and second side view of a billiard ball from the colored set with side marking bands shown at 90° rotation between each view for the checkers billiards game.

FIG. 32 is a plurality of face and side views of a billiard ball displaying numeric indicia of a billiards checkers piece on its faces split between both colored and white markings with side marking bands, all shown at 90° rotation between each view, with opposing color schemes on its respective top, bottom and sides.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best presently contemplated mode of carrying out the invention. The description is not intended in a limiting sense, and is made solely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention. The various features and advantages of the present invention may be more readily understood with reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

This invention provides a unique set of billiard balls with an accompanying method of playing chess, checkers, and backgammon all utilizing a standard billiard table. The unique set of billiard balls, provided herein, differ from the standard billiard balls by displaying various indicia in a colored or white, or both backgrounds. Some indicia are adapted from the game of chess, while others display a numeric symbols. Those skilled in the art will recognize that several modifications can be made to this configuration. For example, the size of numerals or indicia, and the color selected can vary. Additionally, the materials used to fabricate the balls can be any material suitable for the purpose. The set of billiards for each game will first be described and it is subsequently followed by a description of the method of play.

A. Description of Chess Billiard Apparatus

Referring now to the drawings in detail, FIG. 1 illustrates a plan view of a billiards table 10 configured for playing the game of billiards chess of the present invention. Table 10 is a standard billiards table that comprises six pockets located around the perimeter of the table. These pockets have the diameter and depth of pockets, as does a standard billiards table. Additionally, the pockets are numerically organized by the use of labels 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 that identify each pocket on said table 10. Also shown in FIG. 1, is a cue ball 101 located at the head string 18 of table 10, and a set of chess billiards 100 located at the foot spot 17 of table 10. Additionally, table 10 has a table rail 19, which circumscribes the table 10.

The set of chess billiards 100 comprises 15 billiard balls, where 7 balls are colored, 7 balls are uncolored (white), and one ball having one hemisphere colored and the other hemisphere uncolored. Each ball displays particular indicia of a chess piece. FIGS. 2-6 illustrate the colored subset of billiard balls. Specifically, FIG. 2 depicts a face and side view of ball 110 with colored areas 111 and displaying the indicia corresponding to a pawn 113. Ball 110 also has an uncolored stripe-like area 112. The side view of ball 110 displays the corresponding ranking indicia 114 attributed to pawn 113, in this case a blank space. There are a total of 3 colored pawn balls 110 in the set of chess billiards 100. FIG. 3 shows a face and side view of ball 120 with a colored area 121 and displaying the indicia corresponding to a castle or rook 123. Ball 120 also has an uncolored area 122, and a side view displaying the corresponding ranking indicia 124 attributed to a castle or rook 123. The set of chess billiards 100 contains one colored castle or rook 123.

Referring now to FIG. 4 that illustrates a face and side view of ball 130 with a colored area 131 and displaying the indicia corresponding to a knight 133. Ball 130 also has an uncolored area 132, and a side view displaying the corresponding ranking indicia 134 attributed to a knight 133. The set of chess billiards 100 contains one colored knight 133. FIG. 5 depicts a face and side view of ball 140 with a colored area 141 and displaying the indicia corresponding to a bishop 143. Ball 140 also has an uncolored area 142, and a side view displaying the corresponding ranking indicia 144 attributed to a bishop 143. The set of chess billiards 100 contains one colored bishop 143. FIG. 6 depicts a face and side view of ball 150 with a colored area 151 and displaying the indicia corresponding to a queen 153. Ball 150 also has an uncolored area 152, and a side view displaying the corresponding ranking indicia 154 attributed to a queen 153. The set of chess billiards 100 contains one colored queen 153. FIG. 7 shows a first cue ball 101 with an uncolored area 102 and displaying a single marking 103, and a second cue ball 101′ with an uncolored area 102′ and the same indicia 103′.

FIGS. 8-12 illustrate the uncolored (white) subset of billiard balls in the set of chess billiards 100. FIG. 8 depicts a face and side view of ball 110′ with a white area 111′ and displaying the indicia corresponding to a pawn 113′. Ball 110′ also has a colored area 112′. The side view displays the corresponding ranking indicia 114′ attributed to pawn 113′, in this case a colored band without any special marking. There are a total of 3 white pawn balls 110′ in the set of chess billiards 100. FIG. 9 shows a face and side view of ball 120′ with a white area 121′ and displaying the indicia corresponding to a castle or rook 123′. Ball 120′ also has a colored area 122′, and a side view displaying the corresponding ranking indicia 124′ attributed to a castle or rook 123′. The set of chess billiards 100 contains one white castle or rook 123′. FIG. 10 illustrates a face and side view of ball 130′ with a white area 131′ and displaying the indicia corresponding to a knight 133′. Ball 130′ also has a colored area 132′, and a side view displaying the corresponding ranking indicia 134′ attributed to a knight 133′. The set of chess billiards 100 contains one white knight 133′.

Referring to FIG. 11 that depicts a face and side view of ball 140′ with a white area 141′ and displaying the indicia corresponding to a bishop 143′. Ball 140′ also has a colored area 142′, and a side view displaying the corresponding ranking indicia 144′ attributed to a bishop 143′. The set of chess billiards 100 contains one white bishop 143′. FIG. 12 depicts a face and side view of ball 150′ with a white area 151′ and displaying the indicia corresponding to a queen 153′. Ball 150′ also has a colored area 152′, and a side view displaying the corresponding ranking indicia 154′ attributed to a queen 153′. The set of chess billiards 100 contains one white queen 153′. For all of the chess billiards described, the FIGS. 2-12 show only one face and one side, which faces and sides are duplicated on the other face and side of each of said balls.

The set of chess billiards 100 also contains a partially colored ball 160 shown in FIG. 13, and displaying the indicia of the king chess piece. FIG. 13 depicts each of four face and side views for ball 160 displaying both white areas 161 and 161′ and colored areas 165 and 165′, respectively, and displaying the indicia of a king 163 and 163′, respectively. The side views of ball 160 displays corresponding ranking indicia 164 and 164′, respectively, in opposing color schemes on each of its two sides.

B. Description of Method of Play with Chess Billiard Apparatus

The game of chess billiards may be considered as a hybrid of the games of billiards and chess. Ultimately, the object of the game is for one player to be the first to pocket the King Ball 160. This can be achieved in one of three methods or combinations thereof. First, a player can pocket the King Ball 160 off of the ‘break’. The ‘break’ usually refers to the first shot taken by a player towards the billiard set 100 stacked in a triangular formation at the foot spot 17 of table 10. Second, a player can pocket his ‘object balls’ from the lowest rank through the highest rank. The object balls refer to a player's lowest rank ball on table 10. The order from lowest rank to highest rank is as follows: Pawn Ball 110, Rook Ball 120, Knight Ball 130, Bishop Ball 140, Queen Ball 150, and King Ball 160. The third method for a player to win the game is pocket the King Ball 160 by using the “Combination Piece to Rank” method, which will be discussed in more detail below.

Table 10 is set up as depicted in FIG. 1. The players must place the fifteen chess billiard balls in ball set 100 on table 10 in a triangle at foot spot 17. They must also place cue balls 101 and 101′ at the head string 18 of table 10. The players can utilize different methods to determine who shoots first. One method is for both players to stand on the same end of table 10 and shoot their respective cue balls 101 and 101′ towards the opposite rail. The player who shoots his/her cue ball closest to the rail without touching it will have the choice of shooting first or second. The player that shoots first will be assigned the white balls and must pocket the object balls using the solid color cue ball 101 into pockets 2, 4, or 6 (See, FIG. 1). The player that shoots second will be assigned the colored balls, and must pocket the object balls using cue ball 101′ into pocket 1, 3, or 5 (See FIG. 1).

The player that shoots first will break the chess balls with cue ball 101, where said cue ball 101 is placed anywhere behind head string 18. Cue ball 101′ is placed on the center spot of said head string 18. The players will alternate turns throughout the game regardless if a player's object ball is pocketed or not. If a player pockets the King Ball 160 off of the break, said player immediately wins the game. During the game, each player shooting after the break must verbally announce his object ball and the number of the pocket into which he/she is attempting to shoot said object ball. Each player must pocket all of the object balls in sequence from lowest ranked ball through highest ranked ball to win the game.

Alternatively, a player can utilize the “Combination Piece to Rank” strategy to pocket a ball other than his object ball. In this strategy, the player may shoot a combination shot by first shooting with his object ball to strike and/or to pocket another ball of the same rank or one higher rank which also applies to each additional ball involved in the combination. For example, if a player's object ball is a Pawn 110, then he can pocket another Pawn 110 or Rook 120 in a combination shot. In another example, a player may also shoot the Bishop 140 (his object ball) to the Queen 150 to the King 160, pocketing the King 160, and win the game. If a player pockets balls other than his object ball(s), then said pocketed balls will be placed back on the table at or nearest behind said foot spot 17 immediately after that player's turn. A player cannot pocket more than one object ball in a single turn.

Players can commit several different fouls while playing said chess billiards game. These fouls include the following:

-   -   1. a player failing to call out his object ball and/or the         pocket number before shooting;     -   2. a player shoots the wrong object ball;     -   3. a player shoots the object ball into the wrong pocket;     -   4. a player ‘scratches’ the cue ball (accidentally shoots the         cue ball into a pocket);     -   5. a player misses the cue ball;     -   6. a player shoots with opponents cue ball;     -   7. a player uses the opponent's cue ball in a combination shot;     -   8. a player shoots any combination shot out of the succession of         rank;     -   9. a player pockets the King 160 ball when it is not the object         ball; and/or,     -   10. a player causes his cue ball to have contact with an         opponent's ball(s) or any other ball before contacting his/her         object ball.         There are several consequences to players who commit the         aforementioned fouls. If a player fouls while shooting, the         player will immediately discontinue playing and it will be the         opponent's turn. Any pocketed ball(s) during the foul will be         placed back on the table at or nearest behind said foot spot 17.         The other ball(s) on the table will remain at their final         resting positions. Several fouls will result in immediate         forfeiture of the game by the player committing the foul. If a         player pockets the King Ball 160 without first pocketing all his         object balls (only exception is the “Combination Piece to         Rank”), said player will forfeit the game and the opponent will         win. Additionally, if a player commits a foul and pockets the         King Ball 160, the game will be a forfeit and the opponent will         win.

Some optional rules to this game are suggested to either alter the competitive level of the game or to alter the length of the game. To adjust the level of the game, the players can choose to play this game with one (or continue with two) cue ball(s) and to not alternate shots. Thus, a player's turn will only be over if he misses or fouls on a shot with his object ball.

To shorten the game, players can have the option to play with nine of the balls in set 100 instead of the fifteen balls. The same rules will apply, except the players will use four colored balls (Rook, Knight, Bishop, and Queen) and four white balls (Rook, Knight, Bishop, and Queen) with the King Ball 160 in the center. This shortened format will require the balls to be placed into a nine-ball rack.

C. Description of Checkers Billiard Apparatus

Another game described herein that may be considered as a hybrid of two games is the billiards checkers. Referring now to the drawings in detail, FIG. 14 illustrates a plan view of a billiards table 10 configured for playing the game of billiards checkers of the present invention. Table 10 is a standard billiards table that comprises six pockets located on the perimeter of the table. These pockets have the diameter and depth of pockets on a standard billiards table. Additionally, the pockets are numerically organized by the use of labels 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 that identify each pocket on said table 10. Also shown in FIG. 14, is a cue ball 201 located at the head string 18 of table 10, and a set of checker billiards 200 located at the foot spot 17 of table 10. Additionally, table 10 has a table rail 19 that circumscribes the table.

The set of checkers billiards 200 comprises 15 billiard balls, where 7 balls are colored, 7 balls are uncolored (white), and one ball having a semi-colored area. Each ball displays particular indicia resembling Roman numerals. FIGS. 15-20 and FIG. 27 illustrate the white subset of billiard balls. Specifically, FIG. 15 depicts a face view of ball 210 with a white area 211 and displaying the numeric indicia 1213. Ball 210 also has a circle 212 circumscribing its numeric indicia I. FIG. 16 shows a face view of ball 220 with a white area 221 and displaying the numeric indicia II 223. Ball 210 also has a circle 222 surrounding the indicia. Likewise, FIGS. 17-20 and FIG. 27 illustrate the face view of balls 230, 240, 250, 260 and 270, respectively, with white areas 231, 241, 251, 261 and 271 respectively, and displaying the numeric indicia III 233, IV 243, V 253, VI 263 and VII 273, respectively. Additionally, balls 230, 240, 250, 260, and 270 have circles 232, 242, 252, 262, and 272 circumscribing their respective numeric indicia. Ball 260 in FIG. 20 also displays a line 264 underlining the numeric indicia VI 263 to distinguish it from ball 240 in FIG. 18 displaying the numeric indicia IV 243. The side views of a typical white ball in the checkers billiards set 200 are shown in FIG. 30. FIG. 29 shows cue ball 201 with an uncolored area 202 and displaying a single marking 203.

The 7 colored balls in the set of checkers billiards 200 are depicted in FIGS. 21-26 and FIG. 28, illustrating balls 210′, 220′, 230′, 240′, 250′, 260′, and 270′, respectively. These balls comprise a colored region 211′, 221′, 231′, 241′, 251′, 261′, and 271′, respectively, displaying the numeric indicia I 213′, II 223′, III 233′, IV 243′, V 253′, VI 263′, and VII 273′. Additionally, balls 210′, 220′, 230′, 240′, 250′, 260′, and 270′ have circles 212′, 222′, 232′, 242′, 252′, 262′, and 272′ circumscribing their respective numeric indicia. Ball 260′ in FIG. 26 also displays a line 264′ underlining the numeric indicia VI 263′ to distinguish it from ball 240′ in FIG. 24 displaying the numeric indicia IV 243′.

The side views of the balls comprising the checkers billiards set 200 are illustrated in FIGS. 30, 31. Ball 280 is a representative ball from the white subset of balls in checkers set 200. Ball 280 displays markings 283, 284 separating opposing faces, and has white space 281. Marking 284 is shown at a 90° rotation with respect to markings 283. Also shown in FIG. 30 are the circles 282 surrounding the indicia marking (not shown) on the respective faces of ball 280. Per the colored subset of balls within the checkers set 200, ball 280′, shown in FIG. 31, is a representative ball from the colored subset of balls in checkers set 200. Ball 280′ displays markings 283′ and 284′ separating opposing faces, and has colored space 281′. Marking 284′ is shown at a 90° rotation with respect to markings 283′. Also shown in FIG. 31 are the circles 282′ surrounding the indicia marking (not shown) on the respective faces of ball 280′.

The set of checkers billiards 200 also contains a partially colored ball 290 shown in FIG. 32. Specifically, FIG. 32 depicts a plurality of face and side views of ball 290 displaying the numeric indicia X 293 with a white area 291 and a colored area 294. Ball 290 also has a circle 292 circumscribing the numeric indicia X 293. The side view of ball 290 displays markings 295 and 295′, where said markings are shown at a 90° rotation between each view, and in opposing color schemes on its respective sides.

D. Description of Method of Play with Checkers Billiard Apparatus

The game of checkers billiards may be considered as a hybrid of the games of billiards and checkers. Ultimately, the object of the game is for a player to be the first one to pocket all 7 of his object balls into their assigned numbered pockets and then pocket the ball 290 (ball displaying numeric indicia X) into any pocket to win the game. As shown in FIG. 14, the 15 balls of the checkers ball set 200 are set-up in a triangle at foot-spot 17 of table 10, and the cue ball 201 is placed at the head string 18. Additionally, 6 discs, numbered from 1 to 6, are placed at their respective pockets, as illustrated in FIG. 14.

The players can utilize different methods to determine who shoots first. One method is for both players to stand at the same end of table 10 and take turns shooting said cue ball 201 towards the opposite rail. The player who shoots cue ball 201 closest to the rail without touching it will have the choice of shooting first or second. The player who shoots first will be assigned the white balls and must pocket his/her object balls using said cue ball 201 into pockets 2, 4, or 6 (See, FIG. 14). The player that shoots second will be assigned the colored balls, and must pocket his/her object balls using cue ball 201 into pockets 1, 3, or 5 (FIG. 14).

The player who shoots first will break the checkers balls with cue ball 201, where said cue ball 201 is placed anywhere behind head string 18. The player must pocket at least one of the object balls off the break to continue playing that turn; otherwise, the opponent will shoot next. If a player pockets ball 290 off the break, without fouling (as discussed below), then that player immediately wins the game. Alternatively, each player will proceed to call out the object ball number and the intended pocket number to place the ball therein, before attempting to pocket said object ball. If a player does not pocket one of the object balls or fouls during his/her turn, then the opponent will shoot next. Moreover, a player may perform a ‘combination shot’, whereby he/she can shoot the cue ball 201 towards that player's set of balls only (not the opponent's balls or ball 290), as long as said ball makes contact with the object ball. A player making a ‘combination shot’ must verbally announce “combination shot” followed by the object ball number and pocket number. If a player's object ball misses the pocket but rolls around the table and falls into the original pocket called, the shot will count. Once a player has pocketed all of his object balls into their assigned pockets, said ball 290 becomes the object ball, to be pocketed in any pocket, without fouling, to win the game. Additionally, a player can attempt to pocket more than one of his object balls in a single shot, provided that he/she calls out the additional object ball(s) and the assigned pocket(s) in order for that additional object ball(s) to remain pocketed. However, if the player misses or fouls on any of the object ball(s) that he/she called out in a shot, then that player will lose that turn and any pocketed ball(s) will be placed back on table 10 at or nearest behind the foot-spot 17.

Players can commit several different fouls while playing said checkers billiards game. These fouls include the following:

-   -   1. a player failing to call out the object ball and/or the         pocket number before shooting;     -   2. a player shoots the wrong object ball;     -   3. a player shoots the object ball into the wrong pocket;     -   4. a player ‘scratches’ the cue ball (accidentally shoots cue         ball into a pocket);     -   5. a player misses the cue ball;     -   6. a player uses said ball 290 or the opponent's ball in a         combination shot;     -   7. a player pockets said ball 290 when it is not the object         ball; and/or,     -   8. a player causes the cue ball 201 to have contact with ball         290 or an opponent's ball(s) before contacting the called object         ball.

There are several consequences to players who commit the aforementioned fouls. If a player fouls while shooting, the player will immediately discontinue playing and it will be the opponent's turn. Any pocketed ball(s) during the foul will be placed back on the table at or nearest behind said foot spot 17. The other ball(s) on the table will remain at their final resting positions. Several fouls will result in immediate forfeiture of the game by the player committing the foul. If a player pockets ball 290 (except when breaking) without first pocketing all his object balls, said player will forfeit the game and the opponent will win. Additionally, if a player commits a foul while attempting to pocket ball 290, the game will be a forfeit and the opponent will win.

Some optional rules to this game are suggested to either alter the competitive level of the game or to alter the length of the game. To decrease the level of play, the players can decide to use two cue balls instead of just one cue ball. However, the second cue ball shall have an identifiable, marking on it to distinguish it from the standard plain white cue ball 201. The players with the colored balls will use the cue ball with identifiable markings, while the player with the uncolored balls will use the standard white cue ball. All the aforementioned rules will apply when playing with two cue balls with one additional rule; it will be a foul if a player shoots with the wrong assigned cue ball.

To increase the level of play, a player can have the option to alternate turns and/or play with either one or two cue balls. However, each player must shoot and pocket their object balls in sequential order from I through VII. However, in a combination shot, a player can pocket any one of his/her balls with the called object ball.

To shorten the game, players can have the option to play with nine of the 15 balls in the set of checkers billiards 200. The same rule will apply except the players will use the colored balls I through IV and the uncolored balls I through IV with ball 290 in the center. This shortened game will require the balls to be placed into a nine-ball rack. It is also noteworthy that the previous optional rules to alter the level of play can also be applied.

E. Description of Backgammon Billiard Apparatus

The game of backgammon billiards can be played on table 10 by utilizing the set of checkers billiards 200 described above. In addition to said set of checkers billiards 200, the game of backgammon billiards requires the use of two standard size dice. The dice must have six dotted sides numbered from 1 through 6, and must be of a different color. Once the dice are rolled by a player, the white or uncolored die will determine the number of shots (strokes) a player has to pocket his/her object ball, while the black or colored die will determine the assigned pocket number for the player to pocket his object ball. For example, if a player rolls the dice and the outcome of the white die is 4 and the black die is 6, then the player must pocket his object ball into pocket number 6 within 4 shots (strokes) or less. Otherwise, the object ball remains on the pool table at its final rest position.

F. Description of Method of Play with Backgammon Billiard Apparatus

The game of backgammon billiards may be considered a hybrid of the games of billiards and backgammon. Ultimately, the object of the game is for a player to be the first one to pocket all 7 of his/her object balls into their assigned numbered pockets and then pocket ball 290 (ball displaying numeric indicia X) into any pocket to win the game. The table set-up starts with clearing said table 10 of all balls, and subsequently placing ball 210 or ball 210′ on the foot spot 17 of table 10 and cue ball 201 on the center spot of head string 18. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 14, 6 discs, numbered from 1 to 6, are placed adjacent their respective pockets.

The game starts with both players taking a turn at rolling the dice on table 10, such that the player rolling the higher number will have the choice of ball color (either white or black), and the opponent will be assigned the other color. The player who has the white balls will shoot first, starting with ball 210, while the other player will be assigned the black balls will shoot second, starting with ball 210′. Players will alternate turns throughout the game, unless a player either rolls doubles or is on ‘deck penalty’ (see below).

The player will place his object ball on foot-spot 17 and the cue ball 201 on the center spot of head-string 18. Then the player will roll the dice on the table (without interfering with the balls on the table), and subsequently place the dice on top of the table rail 19 in the same face-up position in which they landed on the table, thus showing the outcome of the roll. The player will then proceed to shoot his/her object ball into the assigned pocket (as determined by the outcome of the black die) within the number of shots as determined by the outcome of the white die. When the player's turn is over, independent of whether the object ball was pocketed, the other player will shoot next. The balls the players pocket are placed on or nearest the foot spot 17 upon completion of their turn. Otherwise, the ball(s) on the table will remain in their final rest positions. Additionally, a player can intentionally or not move or pocket any of their ball(s) or an opponent's ball(s) with only the use of their object ball within the number of shots assigned by the white die. Then the player can resume shooting his object ball. Each player will start their turn by repeating the aforementioned steps with their next numbered object ball, until all seven of their object balls have been played off the deck.

If a player rolls doubles with the dice and he pockets his object ball into the assigned pocket within the number of shots determined by the dice, then that player can continue playing their turn with the next object ball. The player will attempt to pocket the next object ball into the same assigned pocket and in the same number of shots as the previous object ball.

When a player has pocketed all seven of his object balls off the deck, and they still have balls remaining on the table, then that player will no longer place the cue ball at the head string upon their next turn. Instead, the cue ball will remain at its final rest position on the table for the player to shoot his object ball after he rolls the dice. The player will also have the option to shoot at anyone of his balls that remain on the table. Once that player picks his object ball, he/she cannot change object balls until the next available turn. After a player pockets all seven of his object balls, ball 290 (the King Ball) becomes the object ball. That player will proceed to play by placing ball 290 on said foot spot 17 and the cue ball 201 on the center spot at the head string 18, and follow the aforementioned instructions until the game is won. However, once a player shoots ball 290 from the foot spot 17, ball 290 will remain at its final rest position on the table 10 until a player wins or forfeits the game.

The player's turn will be over immediately when said player either commits a foul (see below) or fails to pocket his object ball as determined by the outcome of the roll of the dice. In either event, place any pocketed ball(s) (except the cue ball) during that player's turn on the table at or nearest to the foot spot 17. Otherwise, any other ball(s) on the table 10 will remain at their final rest positions. If a player pockets his object ball into the wrong pocket number, that player committed a foul and will be on “Deck Penalty”. When a player is on Deck Penalty, he will lose his next available turn to his opponent unless he rolls doubles with the dice, upon which event he/she can continue playing only with his object ball.

The fouls a player can commit during the game are the following:

-   -   1. A player fails to roll the dice against the table rail 19         (said player has two attempts per turn to roll correctly).     -   2. A player misses the cue ball.     -   3. A player scratches the cue ball (upon which event the cue         ball is put on the center spot at head string 18).     -   4. A player shoots the wrong object ball.     -   5. A player shoots his object ball into the wrong pocket (Deck         Penalty).     -   6. A player's cue ball fails to first make contact with his         object ball.     -   7. A player pockets ball 290 when it's not his object ball (this         results in a forfeit).     -   8. A player pockets ball 290 and commits any of the enumerated         fouls (this results in a forfeit).

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof and, accordingly, the described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as being illustrative and not restrictive, with the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims, rather than the foregoing detailed description, as indicating the scope of the invention as well as all modifications which may fall within a range of equivalency which are also intended to be embraced therein. 

1. A method of playing a billiards and chess hybrid game by at least two players, the game apparatus comprising a game table having a table top, side rails bordering the table top, a plurality of consecutively numbered pockets in the table top, a plurality of bumpers wherein the number of bumpers corresponds to the number of spaces between the pockets, at least one standard cue stick to be used by players to strike the billiards, comprising the steps of: selecting the number of players to play the game and the order in which a first player plays first and a second player plays second; providing a set of billiard balls for playing the hybrid game comprising a total of 15 billiard balls, said set of billiard balls being divided into a first subset comprising 7 billiard balls that are substantially white, and a second subset comprising 7 billiard balls that are substantially colored a color other than white, and another ball having equal portions of white and colored areas; providing first and second cue balls, said first cue ball to be used by said first player, and said second cue ball to be used by said second player; placing the set of 15 billiard balls in a triangular formation on the foot spot location, placing said first cue ball behind the head string and placing said second cue ball on the center spot of the head string; each player alternatingly playing the game, such that said first player strikes said first cue ball using the cue stick such that said first cue ball collides with said set of 15 billiards located on the foot spot of said billiard table breaking them apart from their triangular formation, in order to pocket said first subset of billiard balls into the second, fourth, and sixth pockets, or to pocket the said another ball into any pocket; said second player strikes said second cue ball with the cue stick such that said second cue ball collides with one or more of said second subset of billiard balls in order to pocket each of them in the first, third, and fifth pockets, and then the said another ball into any pocket.
 2. The method of play of the hybrid billiards chess game of claim 1, further comprising the steps of providing within the first subset of 7 billiard balls a grouping of 3 billiard balls displaying a first indicia including a face marking of the billiard ball's rank and a stripe without any indicia and 4 billiard balls displaying a second, third, fourth, and fifth indicia, respectively, including a face marking of the billiard ball's rank and a stripe with a number of uniform markings also indicating the billiard ball's rank; providing within the second subset of 7 billiard balls a grouping of 3 billiard balls displaying a first indicia including a face marking of the billiard ball's rank and a stripe without any indicia and 4 billiard balls displaying a second, third, fourth, and fifth indicia, respectively, including a face marking of the billiard ball's rank and a stripe with a number of uniform markings also indicating the billiard ball's rank; providing said another billiard ball having equal portions of white and colored areas with a sixth indicia including a face marking of the billiard ball's rank and a stripe with a number of uniform markings also indicating the billiard ball's rank, said billiard balls all bearing indicia of the billiard ball's rank indicating the order in which each of the billiard balls of each subset are to be pocketed in turn.
 3. A method of playing a billiards and checkers hybrid game by at least two players, the game apparatus comprising a game table having a table top, side rails bordering the table top, a plurality of consecutively numbered pockets in the table top, a plurality of bumpers wherein the number of bumpers corresponds to the number of spaces between the pockets, at least one standard cue stick to be used by players to strike the billiards, comprising the steps of: selecting the number of players to play the game and the order in which a first player plays first and a second player plays second; providing a set of billiard balls for playing the hybrid game comprising a total of 15 billiard balls, said set of billiard balls being divided into a first subset comprising 7 billiard balls that are substantially white, and a second subset comprising 7 billiard balls that are substantially colored a color other than white, and another ball having equal portions of white and colored areas; providing a cue ball to be used by said first player and said second player; placing the set of 15 billiard balls in a triangular formation on the foot spot location, placing said cue ball behind the head string; each player alternatingly playing the game, such that said first player strikes said cue ball using the cue stick such that said cue ball collides with said set of 15 billiards located on the foot spot of said billiard table breaking them apart from their triangular formation, in order to pocket said first subset of billiard balls into the second, fourth, and sixth pockets, or to pocket the said another ball into any pocket; said second player strikes said cue ball with the cue stick such that said cue ball collides with one or more of said second subset of billiard balls in order to pocket each of them in the first, third, and fifth pockets, and then the said another ball into any pocket.
 4. The method of play of the hybrid billiards checkers game of claim 3, further comprising the steps of providing the first subset of 7 billiard balls with a first indicia including a face marking of the billiard ball's rank on opposite face sides of the billiard balls and a repeating diamond-shaped stripe of the color other than white extending around the circumference of the billiard ball equally separating the opposite face sides; providing the second subset of 7 billiard balls with a first indicia including a face marking of the billiard ball's rank on opposite face sides of the billiard balls and a repeating diamond-shaped stripe of the color white extending around the circumference of the billiard ball equally separating the opposite face sides; providing said another billiard ball having equal portions of white and colored areas with a different indicia including a face marking of the billiard ball's rank and a repeating diamond-shaped stripe extending around the circumference of the billiard ball equally separating the opposite face sides, said stripe being of the color white in the colored area of the billiard ball and of the color other than white in the white area of the billiard ball, said billiard balls all bearing indicia of the billiard ball's rank indicating the billiard balls of each subset which are to be pocketed in turn.
 5. A method of playing a billiards and backgammon hybrid game by at least two players, the game apparatus comprising a game table having a table top, side rails bordering the table top, a plurality of consecutively numbered pockets in the table top, a plurality of bumpers wherein the number of bumpers corresponds to the number of spaces between the pockets, at least one standard cue stick to be used by players to strike the billiards, comprising the steps of: selecting the number of players to play the game and the order in which a first player plays first and a second player plays second; providing a set of billiard balls for playing the hybrid game comprising a total of 15 billiard balls, said set of billiard balls being divided into a first subset comprising 7 billiard balls that are substantially white, and a second subset comprising 7 billiard balls that are substantially colored a color other than white, and another ball having equal portions of white and colored areas; providing a cue ball to be used by said first player and said second player; providing first and second different colored dice having numbered sides from one through six, said first numbered die determining the number of strokes the player will have to pocket the billiard ball located at the foot spot location of the billiard table and said second die determining the numbered pocket into which said billiard ball is to be pocketed; said first player places one of said billiard balls of the first subset of billiard balls on the foot spot location and places said cue ball at the center spot of the head string, rolls the dice to determine the pocket position and number of strokes for that turn, and then strikes said cue ball using the cue stick such that said cue ball collides with said one of said billiard balls of the first subset of billiard balls in order to pocket said first one of said first subset of billiard balls into the second die designated pocket within the number of strokes according to said first die; said second player then places one of said billiard balls of the second subset of billiard balls on the foot spot location and places said cue ball at the center spot of the head string, rolls the dice to determine the pocket position and number of strokes for that turn, and strikes said cue ball with the cue stick such that said cue ball collides with said one of said billiard balls of the second subset of billiard balls in order to pocket said first one of said second subset of billiard balls into the second die designated pocket within the number of strokes according to said first die. each player alternatingly playing the game, such that said first and second players continue to place respective ones of said billiard balls of the first subset of billiard balls and ones of said billiard balls of the second subset of billiard balls on the foot spot location until all of said billiard balls are pocketed, in turn, and then places said another ball having equal portions of white and colored areas at the foot spot location and places said cue ball at the center spot of the head string, said dice are rolled to determine the pocket position and number of strokes for that turn and that ball is pocketed into the second die designated pocket within the number of strokes according to said first die.
 6. The method of play of the hybrid billiards backgammon game of claim 3, further comprising the steps of providing the first subset of 7 billiard balls with a first indicia including a face marking of the billiard ball's rank on opposite face sides of the billiard balls and a repeating diamond-shaped stripe of the color other than white extending around the circumference of the billiard ball equally separating the opposite face sides; providing the second subset of 7 billiard balls with a first indicia including a face marking of the billiard ball's rank on opposite face sides of the billiard balls and a repeating diamond-shaped stripe of the color white extending around the circumference of the billiard ball equally separating the opposite face sides; providing said another billiard ball having equal portions of white and colored areas with a different indicia including a face marking of the billiard ball's rank and a repeating diamond-shaped stripe extending around the circumference of the billiard ball equally separating the opposite face sides, said stripe being of the color white in the colored area of the billiard ball and of the color other than white in the white area of the billiard ball, said billiard balls all bearing indicia of the billiard ball's rank indicating the order in which each of the billiard balls of each subset are to be pocketed in turn. 